Daily Inspiration: Meet Grant (G.E.) Loveless

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grant (G.E.) Loveless.

Hi Grant (G.E.), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

When I was 16 years old, attending Manor High School, I found my love for serving others. This love was seen through my commitments in journalism, the yearbook club and Model’s Closet (a student club that created fashion shows). Since I was born, serving others has always been in my blood especially since my father is an entrepreneur and Bishop of nondenominational Christian faith and my mother is an educator.

From the age of 16 to 18, I continued to build relationships on campus, address issues with my peers and teachers and work to ensure LGBTQ students were being protected. I then applied and got accepted to Austin Community College where within my first year, I was honored to become the Student Ambassador for ACC’s Career & Transfer Services where I created impact through ACC and the neighboring universities like the University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University and even St. Edward’s.

During my time at ACC, which was 2 1/2 years, I was able to become a Texas Civic Ambassador with the Annette Strauss Institute of Civic Engagement, won 2020 Student of the Year with DivInc, served in many dope roles with non-profits like MEASURE Austin and Austin Justice Coalition.

However, after the 2 1/2 years, I dropped out of to pursue my business, Essence of G, and social startup, Elevate Your Essence.

I am where I am today because others saw my potential and invested in my skills, my passions and my vision. It is those who empowered me when I was not there that truly stood for me and from that, I have reached great success and am excited for what the future has in store.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It has been chaos. Let me be honest, I have failed in more ways than most 22-year-olds would and am still failing.

From identity crises, committing to boards or commissions without being fully committed and resigning weeks after the ‘yes’, offering services that ended up in bad deals or burnt bridges and getting my car repossessed. Life is rough.

But I love it.

It is me trying that I love the most.

The struggles I had weren’t financial but emotional and spiritual. I did not understand me, who I was and what I am now passionate about. Because I did not know my purpose, understanding my why and capabilities set me up for failure.

Too many people feel ashamed or at fault for failing, but you shouldn’t. I have failed more times than I can count, but I will continue to grow, learn and thrive unapologetically.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I work in three capacities:

Essence Of G is my personal brand and professional development consulting firm as well as a creative outlet to celebrate me and my AfroQueer-ness  (those who are of African Diaspora and identify as LGBTQIA+). Through Essence Of G, I pursue all my creative passions like spoken-word poetry, pole dancing and wine tasting while connecting with others to elevate their identities to a digital space to grow. 

Elevate Your Essence, Inc. is a social enterprise I co-founded with Chastiny Brown, who serves as the Social Impact Director, and Corey Alan, who serves as the Strategic Alliances Director. Our business designs experiences where youth are empowered to explore their creative passions and spark social change where they are. Currently, we have launched Project ELEVATE in the City of Manor, Texas to redesign how Manor ISD high school students are connecting to the community and how the community is investing into them as future socialpreneurs. Additionally, we are opening a community creative space, named Essence Point Co., in Manor to empower BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ business owners, founders and students.

3 Day Startup is a non-profit organization that creates opportunity and builds community with dynamic and inclusive programs that centers on entrepreneurial education and social impact. I serve as their Associate Director of Programs & Volunteers where my focus is on Ultrapreneur, our 12-week fellowship for Gen-Z (18 – 26) who are seeking to transform their ideas into businesses or products that focus on global impact.

In all, I am an AfroQueer Creative, Social Entrepreneur and Storyteller.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

My advice would be to focus on three passions and turn them into your projects. When you visualize how you want to create, design or innovate something – you are affirming its existence. Have that vision, work with others to find your community and build a strong foundation to reassure your work isn’t being unnoticed and that you have help.

If there was anything I wish I knew, it would be that my personal brand is essential and that non-negotiables, personal or professionally, are ok. Set boundaries with your non-negotiables.

Here are my top three for when I commit to an organization: (1) 75% or more of the leadership or staff have to be LGBTQ or BIPOC, (2) Creative freedom has to be given and reciprocated and (3) Organization must be aligned or implement DEI values and have a non-discrimination policy.

That is how I set boundaries and decide whether it is a ‘yes’ or a ‘no.’ Of course, there are other factors like time capacity, participation and travel, but those factors weigh in after analyzing the essence of the organization and who they serve.

Simply, always ask questions, have boundaries AND celebrate yourself, and never compromise your self-worth to build your network. Your growth and success will come to fruition, it is all about time and position.

Contact Info:

• Email: connect@elevateyouressence.org
• Website: elevateyouressence.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelevatedessence/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatedessence